Allow me to play devils advocate for a moment here. Now, I will say that it has been many moons since I read anything by Hawking. However, I can't recall him ever discounting the possibility of a Creator.Although I could be wrong on this point. If I'm not badly mistaken his wife is a Christian. He does subscribe to Einsteins theory of relativity, which seems to infer that the universe had a beginning and likely an end. Yes, he does seem to believe (as most scientists seem to do)that the sheer number of planets and systems means that life in the universe MUST be plentiful. However, Hawking has been known to be a little eccentric and tongue in cheek with some of his comments. I wouldn't be surprised if this were one of them. Personally, I think he's seen one to many Spielberg movies. Having said all this, I certainly wouldn't put him in the same category as Dawkins and Hitchens.

I would like to pose the following question. And if it sounds a little condescending, let me assure you its not intended to be. I am by no means an expert on Creationism, I.D. or the Bible for that matter. If intelligent life were found on other planets, would it automatically discount the Bible? I'm sure most atheists would say yes, enthusiastically. Has the Bible weighed in on this?

Finding intelligent life on other planets would not undermine the Bible at all. Jesus said in John's Gospel, "I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen." That can be taken various ways but leaves open that "this sheep pen" is Earth. If God created all the Universe, which I believe he did, then it certainly seems reasonable that there are others elsewhere. The Bible focusses on earthly life because it records the interactions of God with earthly beings. Nothing precludes his interaction with others.

RR - I'm fairly confident that Hawking is a Darwinist. In answering your question, I would agree with Chaps in that I don't believe the Bible necessarily excludes the possibility of life on other planets.

My main point with the post was the irony in that many Darwinists mock the notion of angels, the soul of man, etc, yet here's one telling us not to talk to aliens. It struck me as funny.

"My main point with the post was the irony in that many Darwinists mock the notion of angels, the soul of man, etc, yet here's one telling us not to talk to aliens. It struck me as funny."

I have noticed this very same phenomenon in my own travels. I think it is also manifest in the rise of the new age spiritualism. It seems many today will entertain any belief system so long as it doesn't include Jesus. Likewise, scientists pontificate about infinite parallel universes(of which there is no proof)yet discount evidence (albeit circumstantial) of a Creator.

Chaps- That is certainly as plausible an explanation as any I have heard. Thanks all for the responses.

Follow by Email

"I am always encouraged by your energy and devotion to the many fine features and heritage of American life. Thank you! Your blog shines on like a beacon in the darkness." ~ David Corbett, Battlefield Balladeers

Handpicked as one “of the internet's best blogs and forums for students of Civil War history” by the Civil War Trust.

“Shenandoah Valley native Richard Williams maintains this lively blog with its focus on the Valley and its importance to the Civil War.”